In the workout, all 3 movements (dumbbell squats, bar facing burpees, and cleans) require heavy use of your shoulders and hips.

How does this apply to one needing to use elbow sleeves?

The emphasis on compound movements means that you’re also putting a lot of stress on your body’s smaller joints, too.

Your knees and elbows are the top 2 joints that come to mind. Even basic movements like push-ups and pull-ups can lead to issues after thousands of repetitions over time.

While most injuries can be prevented with proper programming and a commitment to good technique, wear and tear over time could lead to your joints needing some extra support.

Here are a few cases where using elbow sleeves for CrossFit might help you:

If you suffer from elbow tendonitis, golf or tennis elbow

If you’ve had surgery on your elbow or shoulder and want more support

If you have poor flexibility in your upper body (especially in the front rack position)

If you’re someone that needs more time to warm up than most before a workout

Keep in mind that most Olympic weightlifting organizations prohibit the use of elbow sleeves during competition, so don’t become so reliant on them that you can’t perform heavy lifts without wearing them.

Things To Consider When Buying Elbow Sleeves

Here are 6 things you should consider when picking out the right pair of elbow sleeves for your CrossFit training:

Material- The material and thickness you choose will determine how comfortable your elbow sleeves are while you exercise. Choose carefully.

Stability- How much support do you need? Are your elbow sleeves to prevent injury, or to help with one you already have? Will your performance decrease if your sleeves provide too much stability?

Durability- For which movements will you use elbow sleeves? Keep this in mind. If you need them to do high rep exercises like push-ups, you’ll want a pair that is durable and long lasting.

Mobility- Depending on thickness and material, you may sacrifice mobility in the name of compression. If possible, try them on first and go through the full range of motion of several exercises to get a feel.

Joint Warmth– Elbow sleeves help keep your joints warm. Will that help you? Or are you notoriously hot already and perhaps need a lighter pair?

Stitching- The stitching will help your elbow sleeves last.

Consider the price of each pair of elbow sleeves. Read the reviews.

See what you’re getting with each pair and if it’s worth it to spend extra on something that may or may not be useful to you, such as increased thickness.

Chances are, you can get a decent pair of elbow sleeves that fit your needs without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Elbow sleeves can be used in CrossFit for support, joint warmth, and increased performance on your workouts.

Whether you are trying to prevent injury or mitigate the problems of an existing one, the right pair of elbow sleeves can help decrease the wear and tear of the functional movements we perform as CrossFitters.

When you shop for your sleeves, be sure to do your research. Consider the 6 components listed in this guide, which are the material, stability, durability, mobility, thickness (joint warmth) and stitching.